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Incident
Deputy Jailer Lykins suffocated to death after being overpowered and gagged during an escape attempt from the Boyle County Jail. Four inmates overpowered him, gagged him, and tied his head to cell bars during the escape shortly after 2300 hours. The gag that was placed in his mouth restricted his breathing. Several other inmates in the cell block at the time used a razor to free Deputy Jailer Lykins after the escaping inmates made their escape but were unable to resuscitate him. The four inmates who were all apprehended within 24 hours, plead guilty to murder, and were sentenced to life in prison. One has a parole hearing on May 1, 2016.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Jailer Lykins served with the Boyle County Detention Center.
Thank you for your service to the Danville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Jailer Lykins.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Joe is the only officer of Boyle County Detention Center remembered here.
Joe is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Joe is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Joe is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1977, 2 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 92nd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1977, 128 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 36th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1977, 146 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 34th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Joe was 62. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41.
Joe was 62. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Joe was 62. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
October holds 8.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Sundays: 18.7%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Boyle County Detention Center. The weapon recorded was person, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 0.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 1.8% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 13-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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